Oak Ridge Boys Bass Singer Richard Sterban Dies at 83

What Happened

Richard Sterban, the bass singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, died on Saturday in Hendersonville, Tennessee, at age 83. The death followed complications from bronchitis and pneumonia after a recent battle with cancer.

Reaction

The band and Sterban's family issued statements. The family thanked supporters and asked prayers, saying they find comfort that he is 'face to face with Jesus.' The Oak Ridge Boys confirmed his passing on their official channels.

Career Highlights

Sterban joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972, replacing Noel Fox. With lead singer Duane Allen, baritone William Lee Golden and tenor Joe Bonsall, he helped the quartet achieve 34 Top-10 country singles, 17 of which reached No. 1, and earn Grammy, CMA and ACM awards. The group is inducted in the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. His deep voice anchored the harmony on hits such as 'Elvira.' Before the Oak Ridge Boys, he co-founded the Keystones gospel quartet and sang with J.D. Sumner's Stamps Quartet, which backed Elvis Presley for about a year and a half.

Family

Born April 24 1943 in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban sang in Sunday school and school glee clubs, later studying music at Trenton State College. He is survived by his wife Donna, daughters Lauren and Tori, sons Rich, Doug and Chris, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Victoria, brother Joseph and grandson Zachary.

Context

The Oak Ridge Boys are one of country music's longest-running vocal groups, and Sterban's bass has been a defining element of their sound for five decades.